ZAGREB, Krešimirov trg 2                             SPLIT, Marmontova 1

Vesna Dejanović, predsjednica                      Eduard Andrić, tajnik

Tel:  01 46 55 620                                                             Tel: 021 341 075

Fax: 01 46 55 012                                                             Fax: 021 341 075

e-mail: ssguth@ssuth.hr                                   e-mail: ssuth-split@ssuth.tel.hr

www: ssuth.hr                                                     www: ssuth.hr

Zagreb, February 14, 2003

Sr. Presidente de la República del Uruguay
Dr. Jorge Battle

Mr. President,

We have been informed of the decision of the general management of the AmBev group to close the Norteña brewery in Paysandú, which the group acquired only in the year 2000.

The IUF is an international labour federation that represents 3 millions workers in 344 unions in 124 countries. Our regional secretariat for Latin America is located in Montevideo.

The IUF believes that AmBev's decision has grave consequences not only for the 200 workers who would lose their jobs, but also for a region where the unemployment rate is already 22%.

We consider it the responsibility of the state of Uruguay to use all possible means to avoid the closing of the Norteña brewery and to maintain industrial activity and employment at the site. We therefore ask you to use your influence, Mr. President, to ensure that AmBev enters into serious negotiations on the future of the Paysandú site.

Sincerely

Vesna Dejanović, President